Hi and welcome back to Second Chance to Live my friend. I am glad you decided to stop by and visit with me. In my martial arts training I am learning physical, mental and spiritual lessons. Some may ask, “How can you learn spiritual lessons from martial arts training?” In response I would say that with all learning there is a spiritual lesson.
Different opportunities reinforce various spiritual awakenings. These awakenings can in turn be applied to every day living. I have been given a wonderful opportunity to train at a martial arts school, because of the ongoing kindness of my Sensei or instructor. I am currently training toward my black belt in mixed martial arts. Mixed martial arts draw from different stand up styles, various weaponry and different ground styles of jujitsu — otherwise known as grappling.
For the purposes of this post I will use my martial arts training to illustrate several of these spiritual awakenings. Free grappling pairs two individuals and involves strength, technique, agility, speed and stamina. Sometimes the goal in grappling is to achieve and maintain a dominant position over your opponent for short periods of time, while at other times in our training the goal is to use submissions through joint locks, arm bars and other restraining techniques. The end goal of these free grappling sessions is to practice techniques and thus improve our grappling skill sets.
Approximately 18 months ago I obtained my brown belt, which in turn enabled me to participate in free grappling sessions. When I was able to free grapple, I attempted to use my strength against students who had achieved their black belts. I quickly found that my strength was no match for students who had learned and advanced in their grappling techniques. With time, I have become a better grappler, because I too have learned to use technique over strength.
Through my grappling process I have had several spiritual awakenings. Do not panic, relax, breathe and do not be in a rush to use your technique. When I do not panic — especially if I grapple individuals who are larger and stronger than myself and they are on top of me — I am able to relax breathe and think about how to use what I have learned. As I relax I am able to position my body in order to execute technique despite the size differential. When I relax and chose not to panic I am able to breathe. Through focusing on my breathing I free myself from the urge to force a grappling solution.
The spiritual awakenings provided through my grappling experience reinforce very practical lessons. When I feel overwhelmed by life’s circumstances I do not have to panic. I can sit or lay down and breathe. As I relax I am able to draw upon the lessons that life has previously provided through my circumstances and experiences. As I continue to breathe I am able to think clearly and find solutions to living life on life’s terms.
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